Author: Scott Le Roy

Where to Fish During Our Florida Winter

The colder weather may be upon us, but that doesn’t mean that the fishing pauses during winter! Snook, big jack crevalle, redfish and other species are plentiful at this time of year—you just have to know where to go.

Stick to the brackish areas of our area. That means the rivers, creeks and bayous are where you’ll find prime gamefish during a Florida winter. You might be wondering, ‘What’s so significant about the brackish portions of our local waters?’ The deeper, more guarded areas of these bodies of water offer more protection and warmth for gamefish, which is why they gather here during our Florida winter.

Other than the plentiful fishing, brackish waters offer many other positives for anglers. The guarded bodies of water are ideal for using small watercrafts, such as kayaks and jon boats, for angling as well as those that are shorebound. Another benefit is that artificial lures tend to do well in these murkier waters since there is more shoreline cover.

Fly fishers, especially, can benefit from winter fishing in Florida. The local creeks offer a splendid opportunity for them to attract trout that are heading north.

Wondering where the best winter fishing in Florida is? From the Bradenton area to Sarasota, here’s where fishermen have been having luck:

In the Tampa Bay and Bradenton area, kingfish, mangrove snapper and tarpon are plentiful. It’s been reported that trout, redfish and snook are frequenting the local bays as well. In Sarasota, you’ll be catching bluefish, snook, specks, mackerel and more. Then, if you head further south to the Venice and Nokomis areas, red grouper and snapper are currently being caught with whole squid as bait.

Head to Bridge Street for an evening of live music from the Sweet Adelines, a free showing of the 1966 cartoon “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and popcorn and refreshments. All you need to bring is a chair and blanket!

Dec. 2: 38th Annual Holiday Night on St. Armands

6–9 p.m., St. Armands Circle Park, Sarasota

Usher in the holiday season with a Christmas Carol Sing-a-long, special performances and the arrival of Saint Nick himself! Capture a photo with Santa, then enjoy the many store promotions in the shopping center.

Village of the Arts will host a special, holiday-themed art walk during their monthly event. While admiring the holiday decorations, peruse unique art in galleries and studios, enjoy live music and food and much more!

Join in in Palmetto’s annual Christmas event! This year’s theme is ‘A Country Christmas.’ Chockfull of reindeer games, kids’ crafts and entertainment, Santa will also be arriving at 4 p.m.! And no need to worry about dinner! Food vendors will offer BBQ, lemonade and much more delicious goodies.

Dec. 10: Anna Maria Island Privateers Annual Christmas Parade

10 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Bay Front Park to Coquina Beach

You won’t want to miss the annual Christmas Parade hosted by the Anna Maria Island Privateers. Come and see their private ships as they sail from Bay Front Park to Coquina Beach. Then, Santa will hop aboard their Flagship “Skullywag” for a great photo opportunity.

Dec. 10: Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade

6:30–7:30 p.m., Riverhouse Reef & Grill

Follow the illuminated and decorated boats in the annual holiday boat parade! At dusk, you can enjoy the parade from the Green Bridge Fishing Pier and Riverhouse Reef & Grill as well as the Riverwalk in Bradenton. Boats will also compete for cash prizes!

Dec. 17: 2nd Annual Marty’s Toy Drive

9–11 a.m., Pirate City, 1701 27th St. E., Bradenton

Get into the holiday spirit by joining Bradenton Marauders for their 2nd annual toy drive! Please bring new, unwrapped toys, which will be given to Salvation Army to distribute to those in need. Donators will receive a complimentary breakfast, a promo item and entry into a raffle for four tickets to a 2017 Spring Training game!

Attention Boaters: Watch Out for Florida Manatees!

November is Manatee Awareness Month as Florida manatees begin to migrate to our waters to leave the cooler, winter waters. This week, many manatee protection zones went into effect as they travel south.

Manatee numbers are currently flourishing, but this means it’s even more important to look out for them. It’s been reported that there have been 91 manatee fatalities caused from boats this year.

In order to survive the winter weather, Florida manatees migrate to our rivers, bays and coastal waters. This is why it is especially important for boaters to keep a watchful eye out for these aquatic mammals when out on the waters this month.

Though large in size, adult manatees can actually be difficult to spot. To spot them easier, you can wear polarized sunglasses and look out for traces of their presence, such as “footprints” they leave on the water’s surface.

When in manatee protection zones, follow the speed rules in these areas that are known to have more manatees. Boaters can also drive slower, in general, and try to stay in deeper waters to avoid these friendly creatures. Areas such as sea grass beds and other shallow areas will want to be avoided as manatees are known to dwell here as well as lagoons and estuaries.

It’s also important to be mindful to not leave any lines, hooks or any other debris behind in the waters. These could entangle or be ingested by manatees and other wildlife should they encounter these hazardous items.

You can view the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) seasonal rules for manatee migration season as well as the areas designated as manatee protection zones at MyFWC.com/Manatee.

Learn About Bonito Fishing in Sarasota

Do you know about the bonito fish? Let’s learn about this feisty game fish that you may encounter this winter.

The bonito fish is a game fish that is known to frequent the Sarasota area. You may hear these fish referred to as ‘bonita’ or even ‘bonehead.’ Bonito fish, named for their aesthetically pleasing exterior, are speedy and powerful game fish. Their speed and power often causes spools to empty very quickly since they put up quite a fight when you’ve hooked them.

Bonito often travel in schools and will remain in our waters much longer after most pelagics have migrated. You’ll find that seabirds easily spot them when an underwater commotion arises while they’re feeding on small baitfish.

Wondering how to catch them? You’ll be successful with small jigs, spoons and flies, which are often used by sportsmen. Try going to nearshore reefs and catching them by way of bottom fishing; you’ll be surprised when they’re suddenly hooked with a light tackle. The force of the bonito will quickly clue you in that you’ve caught this spirited species.

Though the bonito fish are cousins of the tuna, you’ll want to save these as bait for shark instead of for the dinner table.

Where to Fish Now

The Tampa Bay and Bradenton Area is currently brimming with flounder, large mackerels, black sea bass, grouper, pompano and bluefish.

Sarasota is where you’ll find trout, snook, ladyfish, sea trout and redfish, and bluefish are present as well.

When you’re in the Venice and Nokomis Beach area, expect grouper, snapper, speckled trout and more snook.

The Lemon Bay and Englewood area is bountiful with sea trout, snook, redfish, barracuda and cobia.

Boaters tend to favor deck boats for their plentiful seating capacity, which is perfect for families and friends. In addition, there’s a generous amount of room for all of the gear that accommodates an afternoon on the water without overcrowding the deck space. It’s no wonder that deck boats are still trending with boaters!

You may mistake deck boats for bowriders, but when you get up close, you’ll notice these are much more spacious, sporty and chic. Some are even equipped with full windshields so you can enjoy the ride during every season.

In addition to the extra space, deck boats have become favorable among boaters because of how user-friendly they are when it comes to the towing process versus a pontoon. They’re also easier to stow due to their lower profile. In turn, these features attract the more novice of boaters as well.

Though the most common agreement reached among deck boat customers is the comfort that they provide along with more options for seating and entertaining as well as other amenities, such as a Porta Potti.

With all of the accommodations that deck boats have to offer, the open layout is never compromised. And that’s what is keeping the number of deck boat admirers increasing. The versatility that decks boats offer from a nice sunset cruise to an afternoon zipping across the lake are what keep families impressed as well. Manufacturers will continue improving deck boats’ features to appeal to the interests of their customers, such as technological upgrades and for performance and comfort.

Free Fun in Sarasota and Bradenton

Whether you’re vacationing here in Sarasota and Bradenton or a local to the area, knowing where to find free fun activities is always beneficial. Here are 10 free fun activities you’ll enjoy in the Sarasota and Bradenton area.

1. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Bayfront Park in Sarasota. In addition to the breeze you’ll encounter from the Sarasota Bay, the whole family will enjoy fishing, a play fountain and a fitness walking area. Bring a picnic, and settle in for a serene afternoon at the park.

2. Groove with the drum circles on the beach. Did you know that drum circles regularly gather on Siesta Key Beach and Nokomis Beach? On Sunday evenings at Siesta Key and on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Nokomis, sit back and enjoy this unique show.

3. Brush up on your skills at North Port Skate Park. If you have a skateboard, bike or inline skates, you won’t want to miss our local skate park complete with jumps, rails, ramps and bowls.

4. Dive into the Florida Maritime Museum. The past comes alive in this 1912 Schoolhouse, where you can learn about those who lived in Cortez, a historic fishing village. The museum’s hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

5. Picnic along the beaches of “old Florida.” Guarded by tall pine trees, a trip to Coquina Beach is like stepping back in time. Picture-esque and serene, it’s the perfect place for a simple picnic or grilling out; just bring your supplies in a cooler, and you’re set to dine in a piece of paradise.

6. Channel your inner artist in Bradenton. In the Village of the Arts, immerse yourself in this creative community during their monthly Artwalk. Hosted on the first Friday evening and Saturday afternoon of each month, enjoy live music, galleries and other free fun surprises.

7. Take your pups to the only pet-friendly beach in the county. At Brohard Paw Park in Venice, your pup can freely roam the beach. You’ll be happy to know there are also dog-friendly drinking fountains and showers as well as leash posts. The park’s hours are 7 a.m. to dusk, daily.

8. Search for prehistoric sharks’ teeth. Did you know that Venice is known as the “shark’s tooth capital of the world”? Local or not, visitors flood to Caspersen Beach for these fossilized treasures on its shores.

9. Live music on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Groove to the tunes of live music at Music on Main, held on the first Friday of every month from 6–9 p.m. From 60s to Motown, your ears will always be in for a surprise! Don’t forget your lawn chairs and leashed furry friends.

10. Get outside and bike through nature. Both scenic and rural, bikers will enjoy the Legacy Trail full of foliage and pastureland, as well as local neighborhoods. From its beginning at Sarasota to Venice, it’s about a 10-mile adventure.

The Best Freshwater Fishing in Bradenton

Wondering where the best freshwater fishing can be found in the Bradenton and Sarasota areas? The secret’s out! Benderson Park Lake is just the spot.

Located off of I-75 and Cattlemen Road in the 600-acre Benderson Park, the lake has been kept a secret by local fisherman and other outdoorsmen.

At Benderson Park Lake, anglers will be in heaven as they’ll discover plenty of bluegill, shellcracker, speckled perch, catfish, largemouth black bass and many other treasured species.

The most lively area of the lake is the eastern side of the lake, where you’ll find that catfish, specifically, like to dwell. The best lures to use for these are Rattle Traps Tiny Trap and beetlespin lures. Fly casters will have good luck using nymphs, wooly buggers, sponge spiders and panfish poppers.

Along with the plentiful freshwater fishing, guests will benefit from the park’s fishing pier, picnic areas, bathrooms and a launching facility when on-site. You are also welcome to bring your non-motorized boats along for the fun!

Hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from now through the winter season. Keep in mind that a Florida freshwater license is required for all participating anglers.

If you have additional questions, call the park at 941-861-5000.

For other freshwater fishing opportunities, it has been reported that there are mackerel, speckled trout and snook in the Tampa Bay area. Other fisherman have found that there are also bluefish and mangrove snapper in the Tampa Bay and Bradenton areas.

In Sarasota, sea trout, jack crevalle, bluegill, shellcracker and channel catfish are very prominent in this area.

When you find yourself in the Venice or Nokomis Beach areas, snook and trout are doing plenty well there.

One thing’s for certain; it’s a good time to cast a line in and around Bradenton!

The 16th Annual Bayfest on Anna Maria Island

Do you have plans for the weekend? Why not head to Bayfest, one of our area’s best music, crafts and food festivals of the season!

Now that the weather is channeling the crisper, fall temperatures (at least for now), there’s no other place you’ll want to be this Saturday, Oct. 15 than at Bayfest. You don’t want to miss this exciting, annual celebration on our beautiful Anna Maria Island. Now in its 16th year, Bayfest is back to bring you performances, delectable vendors, crafts and even a car show!

Important details you’ll want to know before attending:

Date and Time: Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

Location: 401 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Island. This street will be closed for the duration of the festival.

Price: Free

Who to Hear

Featuring emcee Mike Sales, you’ll also get the treat of hearing from Bradenton’s favorite ensembles. Check out the schedule below.

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — KoKo Ray & The Keepers

1–3 p.m. — Whiskey Blind

3:30–5 p.m. — the Billy Rice Band

5:30–7:30 p.m. — soulRcoaster

8–10 p.m. — The Karen and Jimmy Band

What to Eat

From pizza to kettle corn and subs, there will be a great variety of food offerings to try this weekend. Here are a few restaurants that will be there, among others:

Where to Park

In addition to public parking on Manatee Beach, Cross Pointe Fellowship Church will have parking available as well. Once you park at the church, take a free trolley to Pine Avenue, where Bayfest will be held. You’ll find there are several other trolley stops along the way to take you to the festival. The trolley stops running at 10:30 p.m.

Food Items

Bottled Water: It’s recommended that you have about 20 gallons for a family of four.

Food: You’ll of course want to get lots of nonperishable canned and dry food items. Consider around 20 cans of chicken, tuna, chili and soup. Peanut butter, bread, cookies, crackers and pet food are other important food items to pick up from the store.

Important Items to Locate

first aid kit

can opener

medications for your family members and pets

flashlights or battery-operated lanterns

toiletries

batteries (make sure you have a variety of sizes for your flashlights)

Top 5 Nature Areas Near Palmetto

The cooler weather welcomes more opportunities to get outside and explore all of the wonderful nature areas near Palmetto. So, take your bike out or throw on your hiking shoes, and let’s venture through the top five nature areas near Palmetto.

1. Emerson Point Reserve

5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221

If you’re yearning for panoramic views of Anna Maria Island and Sunshine Skyway Bridge, then Emerson Point Reserve is for you. Serene with family-friendly walking trails and off-road biking trails, this nature area also offers areas to launch your kayak, canoe or paddle board. Stay for the sunset or bring a picnic lunch to complete one unforgettable visit.

2. Felts Audubon Preserve

4600 24th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221

Avid bird watchers will be in heaven at the 27 acres of Felts Audobon Preserve. Both educational and a mesmerizing sight, the preserve’s bird viewing room is perfect for the whole family. Take a couple hours to truly enjoy all that’s offered at this relaxing preserve complete with a variety of habitats along the walking trails. Depending on the day, you may spot cardinals, buntings or doves.

3. Riverwalk

Waterfront Dr, Bradenton, FL 34205

For optimal water views, stroll Riverwalk along the Manatee River as you watch the boats traverse through. Whether you’re interested in an active afternoon of biking or a more tranquil visit of nature watching, there’s an endless day of fun waiting at this downtown park. The younger ones will enjoy the playground and skateboard area as well.

4. Robinson Nature Preserve

1704 99th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209

There’s much to do and see at Robinson Nature Preserve! Climb the lookout tower to get a stunning view of Anna Maria Island, paddle the waterways, or hike the preserve’s trails. Many of the trails are paved, so bikers and hikers can travel through with ease. Bring your favorite book of the moment, your furry friend and an appetite for utter relaxation.

5. Saw Palmetto Natural Area

4950 N.W. 71st Place, Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Did you know that 59 species of wildlife have been documented at Saw Palmetto Natural Area? In addition, there have also been 33 species of birds spotted in Saw Palmetto. During your visit, enjoy a serene walk along the paved nature trail through the woods, which leads to a neat observation area. Additional amenities include bike racks, benches and picnic tables, so don’t forget to pack your lunch for this visit!